Photos of the 1947 Texas City Disaster, its aftermath

April 14, 2010 |Compiled by J.R. Gonzales, John-Henry Perera

At the time, it was called the deadliest industrial accident in U.S. history. More than 500 people were killed and nearly a 1,000 buildings were destroyed. See the grim photos taken of the scene on April 16-17.

File/Houston Chronicle

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On April 16, 1947, more than 2,000 tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer ignited and detonated aboard a vessel in the Port of Texas City. The resulting explosion destroyed the entire dock area and either destroyed or seriously damaged hundreds of nearby buildings. The final death toll was estimated to be around 576, but 178 were still listed as missing. We looked through our archives and elsewhere to bring you this collection of photos from the scene.

File/Houston Chronicle

1of40

On April 16, 1947, more than 2,000 tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer ignited and detonated aboard a vessel in the Port of Texas City. The resulting explosion destroyed the entire dock area and either destroyed or seriously damaged hundreds of nearby buildings. The final death toll was estimated to be around 576, but 178 were still listed as missing. We looked through our archives and elsewhere to bring you this collection of photos from the scene.